Alpine Electronics' console costs as much as the iPhone connected to it.

Enlarge / Soon, you'll be able to use Apple's CarPlay without buying a whole new car.

Apple

So far, consoles compatible with Apple's CarPlay feature have only been integrated into a handful of high-end cars. If you want to use the feature without buying an entirely new vehicle, Alpine Electronics will soon be able to hook you up—Nikkei reports that the company will begin selling a standalone CarPlay console in the US and Europe this fall. The console is "likely" to have a 7-inch display and will reportedly cost between $500 and $700.

Alpine already sells a lineup of entertainment and navigation systems, and it's possible that this new CarPlay-compatible version will offer similar features when there's no iPhone connected to it. Current CarPlay-compatible vehicles offer the CarPlay interface when an iPhone is connected, but it's available as an alternative to the automakers' own software solutions rather than a complete replacement.

CarPlay was first demonstrated as "iOS in the Car" at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference last year and was officially released earlier this year as part of the iOS 7.1 update. It provides access to Apple Maps' turn-by-turn navigation features, your music and podcasts, and a handful of third-party streaming services approved by Apple; as of this writing, there's no public API that developers can use to support the feature independently. CarPlay requires a compatible in-dash display and an iPhone 5, 5C, or 5S connected via a Lightning cable. Rumors of a wireless version of CarPlay persist, but it's not clear whether these first CarPlay-compatible displays will be able to operate wirelessly when (and if) that capability arrives.

40 Reader Comments

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

I don't see the problem with the price being as much as the phone...$500-700 for a touch screen head unit is pretty standard pricing, regardless of features. Some of the high end Android based connected units go for $1500-2000 already.

I don't see the problem with the price being as much as the phone...$500-700 for a touch screen head unit is pretty standard pricing, regardless of features. Some of the high end Android based connected units go for $1500-2000 already.

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

Hm, maybe that the screen is almost twice as big (7" is not a little bit bigger than 4", after all). The hit targets will be much bigger, as well.

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

Most phone mounts look like crap, especially the "universal" ones. And if you were already going to pay for a high-end head unit, this would be worth a look.

You have to spend $1000+ to get a GPS-equipped model so if you have an iPhone this might actually save you a little money by using your phone's GPS instead.

I just put a Kenwood DNX691HD GPS unit in my car for $850. I think it has a bunch of iphone integration stuff (screen sharing, siri, something else) but I still use a dumbphone so I don't really know or care how it works.

I like the CarPlay concept as a whole, but the direct cabling requirement and the limitation by Apple on what apps can be run on the car dash are a bit of a turn off.

If the car makers upcharge for this feature, I have to admit I'd be really tempted to just go for an iPad mini and one of the better in-car mounts for it.

This way you're getting an equivalent size to an in-dash screen no cabling necessary (and maybe more flexible charger routing options if you're not tethering it to where the carmaker USB port is) and no application limitations.

Of course you lose phone calling (which you could retain with the in-car bluetooth anyway) and the UI wouldn't be big-button friendly.

I'm kinda tempted to get this or another aftermarket console since I'm excited about CarPlay, but I'm not getting a new car until my current one falls apart or Honda makes an electric Fit without reduced storage space.

Based on how many iPhone users I see on the road on a daily basis, who don't seem to be motivated to spring for even the most basic bluetooth enabled headunit, I don't see how this is going to be successful. Especially when compared to a touchscreen headunit with more universal appeal, supporting both iPhone and Android.

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

Hm, maybe that the screen is almost twice as big (7" is not a little bit bigger than 4", after all). The hit targets will be much bigger, as well.

It also means you get, arguably, a better speaker and mic system.

Actually, a major difference is that since you're using the car's [aftermarket] built-in functionality, you're not violating electronic communications laws now active in most states.

I'm in Iowa, and IPR was just talking about this today, coincidentally.

If you instead use your phone directly and get pulled over, you've actually broken the law.

BTW, that pic shows "Messages" as an available app. I don't think that's going to fly in most states. Of course, if it requires you to use Siri to send the text, then you'll probably be okay, but it's still not clear if using voice control to perform phone operations violates the law. Using your hands, and as such taking your eyes off the road, definitely does.

I'm sure Apple's main motivation in making this software was to take your eyes off the phone and keep them on the road; no further away than the radio.

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

I do.

I often live in my car (sales). A screen that size, solidly mounted in the right spot? Running a version of iOS that links with my phone? No more squinting at the screen for the next turn or fumbling for that damned bluetooth headset that's forever needing a charge and looks (and is) idiotic when in my ear?

I'm sure Apple's main motivation in making this software was to take your eyes off the phone and keep them on the road; no further away than the radio.

An ironic observation, to my mind... since I routinely place my phone directly in front of me on the dashboard. Oh sure, it partially obscures the speedometer -- but I use Waze, which has an option for an on-screen speedometer, so very little is actually lost.

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

I do.

I often live in my car (sales). A screen that size, solidly mounted in the right spot? Running a version of iOS that links with my phone? No more squinting at the screen for the next turn or fumbling for that damned bluetooth headset that's forever needing a charge and looks (and is) idiotic when in my ear?

Are you kidding? Sign me up.

Yeah, for a year until you upgrade your phone. Then the connector doesn't match and you're SOL. Besides, phones these days are approaching 7" already, because bigger is apparently always better. I don't like phone integration with my car because I replace my phone every 3 years or so, and my car is 21 years old. I don't trust manufacturers to keep releasing updates to track the smartphone treadmill, so simple and easily replaceable solutions are more appealing.

The only manufacturer I know that even tries to keep their in-car computer stuff up to date is Tesla, and they don't try to integrate with phones yet.

The solution I suggested actually had the audio plug thing though, so it would do sound through the car speakers.

The fact that aftermarket mounts look like crap now is really a problem with the aftermarket mount manufacturers. This product will have the same problem if made by the same folks, and people who can make this look nice can work out a solution for the phone too.

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

I do.

I often live in my car (sales). A screen that size, solidly mounted in the right spot? Running a version of iOS that links with my phone? No more squinting at the screen for the next turn or fumbling for that damned bluetooth headset that's forever needing a charge and looks (and is) idiotic when in my ear?

Are you kidding? Sign me up.

Yeah, for a year until you upgrade your phone. Then the connector doesn't match and you're SOL. Besides, phones these days are approaching 7" already, because bigger is apparently always better. I don't like phone integration with my car because I replace my phone every 3 years or so, and my car is 21 years old. I don't trust manufacturers to keep releasing updates to track the smartphone treadmill, so simple and easily replaceable solutions are more appealing.

The only manufacturer I know that even tries to keep their in-car computer stuff up to date is Tesla, and they don't try to integrate with phones yet.

The solution I suggested actually had the audio plug thing though, so it would do sound through the car speakers.

The fact that aftermarket mounts look like crap now is really a problem with the aftermarket mount manufacturers. This product will have the same problem if made by the same folks, and people who can make this look nice can work out a solution for the phone too.

The connector? Must be an Android fan or something.

If I had a 21 year old car I bought new, and it still ran, it'd literally have half-a-million miles on it. So, clearly, you aren't the target market and I am.

Funny how one size doesn't fit all. Even though people want to act like it.

I just bought a 2014 model of a Pioneer head unit with bluetooth, Siri integration and Pandora integration. It's pretty sweet. By operating my phone via 2 buttons on the radio (one to answer the phone and one to enable Siri), I can do just about everything I *safely* need to do while driving. If this does the same but with a nicer screen so I'm not pecking at tiny buttons, i'm all for it. Of course, affordability for my situation would temper my enthusiasm somewhat.

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

I do.

I often live in my car (sales). A screen that size, solidly mounted in the right spot? Running a version of iOS that links with my phone? No more squinting at the screen for the next turn or fumbling for that damned bluetooth headset that's forever needing a charge and looks (and is) idiotic when in my ear?

Are you kidding? Sign me up.

Yeah, for a year until you upgrade your phone. Then the connector doesn't match and you're SOL. Besides, phones these days are approaching 7" already, because bigger is apparently always better. I don't like phone integration with my car because I replace my phone every 3 years or so, and my car is 21 years old. I don't trust manufacturers to keep releasing updates to track the smartphone treadmill, so simple and easily replaceable solutions are more appealing.

The only manufacturer I know that even tries to keep their in-car computer stuff up to date is Tesla, and they don't try to integrate with phones yet.

The solution I suggested actually had the audio plug thing though, so it would do sound through the car speakers.

The fact that aftermarket mounts look like crap now is really a problem with the aftermarket mount manufacturers. This product will have the same problem if made by the same folks, and people who can make this look nice can work out a solution for the phone too.

The connector? Must be an Android fan or something.

If I had a 21 year old car I bought new, and it still ran, it'd literally have half-a-million miles on it. So, clearly, you aren't the target market and I am.

Funny how one size doesn't fit all. Even though people want to act like it.

Yeah, I only have half of that. Heck, even if your car was only 2 years old and it was designed for iPhones, you would be in trouble because the iPhone 5 and up uses a different connector than the earlier ones, not to mention the OS would have been updated a couple of times since then. I really think car manufacturers are not prepared to deal with the speed at which the smartphone market moves. It's just a different world.

Finally. This is what I knew what was coming from the moment they announced Carplay (something I had dreamed about since AirPlay became a thing). I am really curious about the technology behind it. Is it creating some sort of Ad-Hoc network that allows the phone to connect to it?

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

I do.

I often live in my car (sales). A screen that size, solidly mounted in the right spot? Running a version of iOS that links with my phone? No more squinting at the screen for the next turn or fumbling for that damned bluetooth headset that's forever needing a charge and looks (and is) idiotic when in my ear?

Are you kidding? Sign me up.

Yeah, for a year until you upgrade your phone. Then the connector doesn't match and you're SOL. Besides, phones these days are approaching 7" already, because bigger is apparently always better. I don't like phone integration with my car because I replace my phone every 3 years or so, and my car is 21 years old. I don't trust manufacturers to keep releasing updates to track the smartphone treadmill, so simple and easily replaceable solutions are more appealing.

The only manufacturer I know that even tries to keep their in-car computer stuff up to date is Tesla, and they don't try to integrate with phones yet.

The solution I suggested actually had the audio plug thing though, so it would do sound through the car speakers.

The fact that aftermarket mounts look like crap now is really a problem with the aftermarket mount manufacturers. This product will have the same problem if made by the same folks, and people who can make this look nice can work out a solution for the phone too.

The connector? Must be an Android fan or something.

If I had a 21 year old car I bought new, and it still ran, it'd literally have half-a-million miles on it. So, clearly, you aren't the target market and I am.

Funny how one size doesn't fit all. Even though people want to act like it.

Yeah, I only have half of that. Heck, even if your car was only 2 years old and it was designed for iPhones, you would be in trouble because the iPhone 5 and up uses a different connector than the earlier ones, not to mention the OS would have been updated a couple of times since then. I really think car manufacturers are not prepared to deal with the speed at which the smartphone market moves. It's just a different world.

I think you're not prepared to deal with the time at which Apple supports their products. It's a different world.

Take the iPod dock connector, in play from the year 2001 until 2012, or over 11 years. Heck, they are still selling iPhone 4S with Dock connector today, as well as an iPod classic with Dock connector, so over 13 years.

As you mentioned, Apple changed their connector two years ago, and if history is any guide will still be selling Lightning iPhones 10 years from now.

That means that, barring iOS CarPlay incompatibilities, you should be able to use a 2020 iPhone with your 2014 car. To put even more weight on their support for compatibility; my 2010 iPad can AirPlay to my 2012 AppleTV which just got an iOS update in 2014. Don't see why you're worried about support from Apple if the CarPlay unit never sees an update.

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

I do.

I often live in my car (sales). A screen that size, solidly mounted in the right spot? Running a version of iOS that links with my phone? No more squinting at the screen for the next turn or fumbling for that damned bluetooth headset that's forever needing a charge and looks (and is) idiotic when in my ear?

Are you kidding? Sign me up.

Yeah, for a year until you upgrade your phone. Then the connector doesn't match and you're SOL. Besides, phones these days are approaching 7" already, because bigger is apparently always better. I don't like phone integration with my car because I replace my phone every 3 years or so, and my car is 21 years old. I don't trust manufacturers to keep releasing updates to track the smartphone treadmill, so simple and easily replaceable solutions are more appealing.

The only manufacturer I know that even tries to keep their in-car computer stuff up to date is Tesla, and they don't try to integrate with phones yet.

The solution I suggested actually had the audio plug thing though, so it would do sound through the car speakers.

The fact that aftermarket mounts look like crap now is really a problem with the aftermarket mount manufacturers. This product will have the same problem if made by the same folks, and people who can make this look nice can work out a solution for the phone too.

The connector? Must be an Android fan or something.

If I had a 21 year old car I bought new, and it still ran, it'd literally have half-a-million miles on it. So, clearly, you aren't the target market and I am.

Funny how one size doesn't fit all. Even though people want to act like it.

Yeah, I only have half of that. Heck, even if your car was only 2 years old and it was designed for iPhones, you would be in trouble because the iPhone 5 and up uses a different connector than the earlier ones, not to mention the OS would have been updated a couple of times since then. I really think car manufacturers are not prepared to deal with the speed at which the smartphone market moves. It's just a different world.

Every time I see this, or a similar mock-up of CarPlay it reminds me of the vitriol surround the "Fisher Price Theme" of Windows XP. I guess it's the extremely plain black background with the big primary colored icons. They should at least put a colored gradient on the background! I doubt the actual product will ship with such a bare UI.

I and the limitation by Apple on what apps can be run on the car dash are a bit of a turn off.

I saw that as good, you don't want Angry Birds to appear or other apps that would be nonsensical in a car environment.

If the app maker thinks their app would be nice for car use let them ask for that entitlement.

The problem I have with the "entitlement" model is that I think it has nothing to do with safety but everything to do with Apple wanting to charge a fee to app makers for CarPlay enabled apps. I'm sure there are some apps that are designed to be used in the car (eg, Trapster) that Apple wouldn't ever provide an "entitlement" for.

I and the limitation by Apple on what apps can be run on the car dash are a bit of a turn off.

I saw that as good, you don't want Angry Birds to appear or other apps that would be nonsensical in a car environment.

If the app maker thinks their app would be nice for car use let them ask for that entitlement.

The problem I have with the "entitlement" model is that I think it has nothing to do with safety but everything to do with Apple wanting to charge a fee to app makers for CarPlay enabled apps. I'm sure there are some apps that are designed to be used in the car (eg, Trapster) that Apple wouldn't ever provide an "entitlement" for.

Yes - because Apple clearly does the same thing now.

I mean....you can't pay for an app and then run that same app on any number of iPods, iPhones or iPads connected to your account without paying again.

Every time I see this, or a similar mock-up of CarPlay it reminds me of the vitriol surround the "Fisher Price Theme" of Windows XP. I guess it's the extremely plain black background with the big primary colored icons. They should at least put a colored gradient on the background! I doubt the actual product will ship with such a bare UI.

Yeah! Adding a bright blue background gradient, and a little specular highlight, would really help nail the XP Luna theme.

I and the limitation by Apple on what apps can be run on the car dash are a bit of a turn off.

I saw that as good, you don't want Angry Birds to appear or other apps that would be nonsensical in a car environment.

If the app maker thinks their app would be nice for car use let them ask for that entitlement.

The problem I have with the "entitlement" model is that I think it has nothing to do with safety but everything to do with Apple wanting to charge a fee to app makers for CarPlay enabled apps. I'm sure there are some apps that are designed to be used in the car (eg, Trapster) that Apple wouldn't ever provide an "entitlement" for.

And given what just happened with Uber, it makes perfect sense that Apple:1) Not allow any and every app2) Charge some kind of escrow or maintenance fee that provides some level of insurance or indemnity to Apple3) Not charge excessively in order to discourage App production4) Encourage app production to encourage CarPlay adoption5) Encourage CarPlay adoption to encourage iPhone adoption

Note the potential profit levels we are talking about: tens of dollars for apps vs hundreds of dollars for an iPhone. Even if Apple charges OEMs $100 per stereo, that still dwarfs the app fees. Maybe Apple will increase the license fee from $99 a year to $199 (unlikely) or the cut from 30% to 70% (not likely), or add a surcharge to each app of $5 (not likely). Of those 'fees' the only one that even comes close to the profits of an iPhone is $100 per stereo or $199 per year for a developer. Everything else is chump change.

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

ever try to look at your phone in bright sunlight? in dash screens are way better..

7" inches makes a huge difference if you're quickly glancing down at maps/song/messages, etcit also increases font sizes to make it readable.

I can navigate my cars radio without looking at it.. I can't even skip a song on my phone w/o looking.

how do you talk to you phone (voice command) w/o pushing the button?

CarPlay gives you about 7 apps.. I certainly don't need to sort through pages of apps to find what I want.

CarPlay lets you use the interface with your car's hardware (buttons, knobs, whatever) so you can navigate the screen.

I don't see where this is going to have a big advantage over a cheaper and easier to use phone mount that includes a built-in charger and audio jack. What is the CarPlay console giving you here? A screen better suited for in-car use somehow? I guess the screen is a little bigger, but not enough that I'm rushing out to get it.

ever try to look at your phone in bright sunlight? in dash screens are way better..

7" inches makes a huge difference if you're quickly glancing down at maps/song/messages, etcit also increases font sizes to make it readable.

I can navigate my cars radio without looking at it.. I can't even skip a song on my phone w/o looking.

how do you talk to you phone (voice command) w/o pushing the button?

CarPlay gives you about 7 apps.. I certainly don't need to sort through pages of apps to find what I want.

CarPlay lets you use the interface with your car's hardware (buttons, knobs, whatever) so you can navigate the screen.

What I really want is some aftermarket, or even vehicle manufacture option to get CarPlay onto my existing built-in touch screen. I'd probably be willing to pay $3-400 for such an option. ...

That's kind'a like saying, "What I really want is for someone to sell me the innards of a new iPhone 6, that I can put inside of my current iPhone 5! My iPhone's screen still works just fine!"

Which is to say... it isn't going to happen. On the other hand, just as you can resell your old iPhone, I'm sure that the aftermarket for stock in-dash head units could knock your total investment down to somewhere in the neighborhood that you're hoping for... you'll just have to do a little bit of the legwork (read: sell your old unit) yourself.

(Mind blown... I just used an iPhone analogy to explain a car issue. )

Andrew Cunningham / Andrew has a B.A. in Classics from Kenyon College and has over five years of experience in IT. His work has appeared on Charge Shot!!! and AnandTech, and he records a weekly book podcast called Overdue.